It is with deep sadness that the family of Alfredo (Fred) Vega, announce his passing on March 15, 2026, at the age of 80. He was surrounded by loving family and the caring nurses, doctors and staff at Gila Regional Medical Center.
Fred was born to Valentin and Eugenia Vega on October 18, 1945, in Deming, New Mexico. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. He grew up in Deming, New Mexico, where he was a proud Deming Wildcat. He was active in both band and basketball, beginning a lifelong connection to school and community. He went on to attend New Mexico State University and later earned his Master of Arts from Western New Mexico University. Fred was a respected educator and community leader who dedicated his life to education and believed deeply that every child has potential. He began his career as a teacher at Las Cruces High School in 1968, before becoming a principal at Silver High School in 1974, and retired as Associate Superintendent of Learning Services for Silver Consolidated Schools. Throughout his career, he was known for the care he showed his students and their families. He was a steadfast advocate for children and youth facing adversity, always putting their well-being first, even when it meant standing firm in the face of challenge. Many of the students he guided came to see him as a mentor and role model.
After retiring from the school system, Fred began a new chapter as Executive Director of El Grito Head Start, where he found a special calling. He served tirelessly for 14 years to ensure every child had the best possible start, creating an environment where they felt secure, happy and could thrive. He took great joy in their success. As a respected community leader, Fred was known for his humility and unwavering integrity. He was a man who led by example in all aspects of his life. To many in the community, he was simply known as "Mr. Vega"—a name spoken with affection, respect and appreciation for the steady presence he brought to generations of students and families.
During his tenure at Silver High, he was a constant presence at school events and always showed up to support students and athletes and was known for his vocal and enthusiastic support of the Colts. He also loved attending Aggie football and basketball games and was a devoted fan of the WNMU Mustangs. Fred bravely and quietly endured a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy and with characteristic humility, he served as a spokesperson for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, helping to raise awareness and support others facing similar challenges.
Family and friends were the center of his life. He and his beloved wife Betty made Silver City their home for over 52 years, building a life rooted in love, laughter and devotion to one another. Fred cherished his daughters. He was a devoted father, and there was never a doubt that he would move mountains for his girls. He was endlessly proud of them and supported them every step of the way. He also deeply loved his nieces and nephews and held his extended family close. His joy grew even greater as a grandfather, and he adored his four grandchildren who lovingly knew him as "Papa." He followed their many accomplishments with pride and was a constant presence in their lives, always showing up to support them and celebrate who they were becoming. He loved to have fun with them, especially the back-and-forth teasing, and was known for his ability to laugh at himself—something that became part of many cherished "Fred" and "Papa" stories.
Fred's legacy lives on in the lives he touched—as an educator, a mentor, a leader, and a devoted family man. He will be remembered for the lives he helped shape, the children he believed in, and the family he loved so deeply. His legacy will carry forward for generations.
Fred is survived by his wife, Betty Vega; daughters, Yvette Biggs (Raymond) and Jennifer Vega (Les Brown); grandchildren Mariah Vega-Mitchell (Dylan), Jac Vega-Reid (Amber), Jonah Vega-Reid (Grace), and Jacob Biggs. He was preceded in death by his parents, Valentin and Eugenia Vega; his brother, Julian Vega; and his sisters, Carmen Guaderrama and Gloria Flores.
Recitation of the Holy Rosary and Eulogy will be held at Baca's Funeral Chapels in Silver City, New Mexico on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 6:00 pm led by Deacon Bill Holguin. The Funeral Liturgy will be held St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Silver City, New Mexico on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 11:00 am. The Rite of Committal and inurnment will follow at Memory Lane Cemetery. Officiating will be Father Oliver Obele.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking to consider a donation in memory of Fred Vega to the Muscular Dystrophy Association at mda.org
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